“It is an honor to be a part of America’s Thanksgiving Parade, a cherished tradition in this town,” Leyland said in a released statement. “I look forward to traveling down Woodward Avenue on Thanksgiving morning and experiencing the parade with Detroiters who have shown me incredible support over the years.”

Leyland announced last week that he will step down as Tigers manager after eight seasons.

“We are thrilled to welcome Jim Leyland as this year’s parade grand marshal,” Tony Michaels, president & CEO of the Parade Company, said in a released statement. “Over the past eight years, Jim has become a Detroit icon, leading the Detroit Tigers to many exciting and memorable times in our city. It is a privilege to celebrate him with hundreds of thousands of Detroiters and families on Thanksgiving morning.”

Additionally, the Parade Company will honor philanthropist and humanitarian Maggie Allesee and president of the Skillman Foundation Carol Goss as honorary grand marshals at this year’s parade.

This year’s parade starts at 8:45 a.m. Nov. 28 at Woodward and Kirby. The parade is free to the public, though grandstand tickets are available, starting at $40. For more information, visit theparade.org.